Yesterday, we visited Borough Market, one of the most popular markets in London. The first thing I noticed about the market was how incredibly crowded it was. I started with a group of about eight people that slowly went to four and then eventually two. As I walked around, I noticed the number of shops and food stalls that were around me. I was told that there are normally more than what was present, but there was construction that caused the location to change.
The amount of food was incredible. There were meat pies, something that looked like peanut brittle, donuts, fish, bread, and so much more. There were also baking and cooking supplies to buy rather than eat, like dried pasta and exotic fruits. I saw a dragonfruit and a large jackfruit with a label “I am a jackfruit.” There were so many varieties of food that I could have chosen from, so obviously, I had to choose one that I’d never had before… a chicken sandwich. NOW CALM DOWN. WAIT. I promise it wasn’t just a chicken sandwich.
A few things to know about me: I like bland foods (with the exception of a few tested and approved seasonings/flavors), if I don’t like something, I won’t eat it, and I have an affinity for textures (specifically if something looks like it should be one texture and it’s not, I won’t eat it – ex: lettuce should be crispy). So, when I was walking around, the steak and ale pie didn’t stick out to me. It’s possible it didn’t because the location is close vicinity to the supposed peanut brittle and fish. The smells confused my brain and made me more nauseous than hungry. But, regardless, I settled on a chicken sandwich.
First of all, I was originally going to get a burger. It’s a failsafe, and I know I’ll eat it. And in my opinion, if I’m going to be spending money on food, I’d rather get something I know I’ll eat rather than buy something I may not like and then not eat and just waste food. But, when I was standing at the counter ready to order, I smelled something so good my jaw tingled, and I just decided to order the chicken on a whim.
The chicken wasn’t a chicken breast or patty, but a collection of fried chicken on a bun. It’s supposed to come with cole slaw, but I’m not a slaw gal and opted out of it. Additionally, there was a pretty heavy drizzle of mayo that was supposed to come also, and I took that out as well. But, as the man was assembling my sad collection of chicken on my bun, I realized how bland it would be but also how much I’m not trying. I’ve had cole slaw before and knew I wouldn’t like it, but I’ve never had mayo. And then, I saw it. It wasn’t just mayo. It was GARLIC mayo. A FAILSAFE FLAVOR.
That’s it. I got a drizzle of garlic mayo on the chicken, and after a search for around 20 minutes for a table, I DEMOLISHED it. It was so spectacularly good. But as I was walking, trying to find somewhere to sit so I could eat my food, I came across a whole section of new food ranging from Indian cuisine to Thai to Iranian. I do have goals to try butter chicken at an Indian restaurant before I leave, but I had already paid for my food.
While I still stick to my go-to foods most of the time, I am proud of myself for slowly branching out and allowing new experiences. It’s like exposure therapy for my mouth. One day I ordered a burger plain, but I bit into it, and there was sauce. But, I didn’t send it back. I didn’t like it, but I ate most of the burger before offering the rest to someone who would like it. I ordered a chicken schnitzel at a pub, and it turned out to be the most delicious meal I had up to that point. I’ve tried sips of terrible alcoholic beverages that left me contemplating crimes against the bartender. But at least I’m trying them, which is a huge step for me. If I have it in my budget, I hope to go back to Borough market to either get that chicken again or at least look for some other options of food to try.
Theatre in London U of A 
You’re brave! Inspiring me to branch out a bit!
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